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Cyber Threats on the Rise in Afghanistan: Government Takes Measures to Combat Crime

Kabul - As cybercrime continues to plague Afghanistan, the government has taken steps to strengthen its cybersecurity measures. According to recent statistics, the country lost a staggering $28 million to cyber-related crimes from 2011 to 2015.

The Rise of Cybercrime in Afghanistan

The Afghan Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has established the Computer Emergency Response Team (AFCERT) to combat cyber threats. AFCERT has developed a forensic lab to help government and business track security issues, and will soon be connected to the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Global Response Center.

The Scale of the Problem

However, despite these efforts, cybercrime remains a significant concern. In 2014, Afghanistan suffered its highest recorded loss from cyber crimes, with losses totaling $27 million. Three out of four computers in the country are infected with malware, and roughly 75% of Internet traffic is compromised.

The National Cybersecurity Strategy

The government has responded by developing the National Cybersecurity Strategy of Afghanistan, which aims to establish a safe and secure cyberspace for government and business. The strategy is based on five pillars:

  • Legal Measures: Establishing legal frameworks to combat cybercrime
  • Technical and Procedural Measures: Implementing technical and procedural measures to prevent and respond to cyber threats
  • Organizational Structure: Establishing a robust organizational structure to manage cybersecurity efforts
  • Capacity Building: Building the capacity of government agencies, businesses, and individuals to handle cybersecurity threats
  • International Cooperation: Promoting international cooperation to share threat information and best practices

International Partnerships and Public-Private Partnerships

To combat cyber threats, the MCIT is working with international partners to share threat information and best practices. The ministry is also promoting public-private partnerships and standards for information security.

Programs for Innovation and Cybersecurity Awareness

In addition, the government has established programs to promote innovation and cybersecurity awareness among young people. For example:

  • Tech-Woman Afghanistan: Providing training in various ICT-related fields
  • Tech Times Afghanistan: Discussing ICT-related activities in the country

The Afghan Government’s Commitment

The Afghan government is committed to combating cybercrime and protecting its citizens’ online security. With continued international cooperation and domestic efforts, the country hopes to mitigate the growing threat of cybercrime.

Key Measures

The Afghan government is taking several key measures to combat cybercrime, including:

  • Establishing a regulatory body for information security
  • Developing standards and baselines for information security
  • Implementing incident response and disaster recovery plans
  • Regularly reviewing and updating cybersecurity policies
  • Encouraging public-private partnerships
  • Providing training and resources to support cybersecurity efforts